United We Row

Grants

The vision of this grant is to make rowing more accessible, competitive, and diverse, and we invite USRowing member organizations to apply. This grant program encourages creative projects and initiatives that align with increasing diversity and opening boathouse doors to athletes traditionally underrepresented in our sport. USRowing will provide two types of grants:

Community Impact Grants: These are for rowing organizations with a proven diversity, equity, and inclusion track record. They have existing programs and are looking to enhance their impact.
Endeavor Grants: Organizations with the passion, solid idea, and detailed plan to launch an initiative to make their program more accessible, inclusive, and diverse will be a good fit for this grant.

Financial & Community Support

Selected organizations will receive grants aimed at impacting communities through rowing. The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal, including a budget and narrative, plans to address challenges to participation, basic information on their organization, leadership and staff, sustainability plan, and, most importantly, the program's impact. USRowing seeks information on that impact and metrics, including athlete demographics, retention rates, and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes.

Rowing organizations are welcome to propose both new and existing projects that align with the goal of making rowing more diverse and inclusive. The grants will support each organization with up to $10,000 and include ongoing support via the USRowing staff and fellow grantee cohort.

For an overview of the program, please listen to our recent United We Row Grants Town Hall here.

Eligibility

Current USRowing organizational member compliant with USRowing policies.
501c3 Organization
Agree to submit two grantee reports, attend Zoom meetings, submit photos and testimonials, and participate in up to two USRowing leadership meetings.
Complete a post-grant survey.

Selection Process & Criteria

A diverse selection committee made up of staff and volunteers will review the United We Row Grant Program Applications. Organizations and their initiatives will be evaluated based on the impact and sustainability of the program and the alignment with USRowing’s core pillars: experience, inclusion, and competition.

FAQs

Who makes up the selection committee for the United We Row Impact Program?

The selection committee comprises USRowing staff focused on United We Row and volunteers from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Board of Directors, and the USRowing Foundation who are committed to promoting access and inclusion within the rowing community.

How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated using a rubric based on key criteria, including alignment with USRowing’s Organizational Objectives, Accessibility and Impact, Sustainability and Growth, Representation, and Leadership.

What is the range of grant amounts available?

Grants awarded through the United We Row Impact Program will range from $5,000 to $10,000, providing financial support to rowing programs committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.

What types of programs are eligible to apply for the grant?

Eligible programs must hold 501c3 non-profit status, be in good standing with USRowing’s policies, and demonstrate a clear commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport of rowing. Whether through new initiatives or building upon existing efforts, applicants should show their dedication and results of a more inclusive rowing community.

How can my rowing program apply for the United We Row Impact Program grant?

The application period will open in early April and will close in Early May. The application will be shared via social media, our newsletter, and the USRowing website.

When will the winners of the grants be announced?

Following the application and interview process, successful grant recipients will be announced by the selection committee at the beginning of June.

Is there ongoing support for grant recipients?

Yes, grant recipients will participate in quarterly grantee cohort gatherings via Zoom and engage with USRowing to share progress, exchange ideas, and receive support as they implement and grow their diversity and inclusion initiatives.

What will the grants support?

USRowing is open to supporting organizations in creative ways to help make their programs more inclusive and to bring the many benefits of rowing to all. We expect to support initiatives such as transportation, swim lessons, adaptive program support, scholarships, coaches of color, and equipment.

Can organizations reapply if they are not selected in a given year?

Yes, organizations are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years if their proposals are not selected initially

Why do I have to submit my Safe Sport Policy? What if I don’t have one?

Safe Sport Policies are required of all USRowing member organizations – and, on top of being a compliance issue, we want to partner with organizations that take the safety of athletes and their community seriously. We are interested not only in your policy, but how you put it into practice. Please review the template and adapt it for your organization here.